disadvantages of living in netherlandsdisadvantages of living in netherlands

You are a citizen of the EU/EEA or Switzerland. We're constantly hunting for the latest, greatest, and most Dutch spots for our readers. Also, Dutch cities are strategically planned in a way that everything leads to the city center. Thetax rates in the Netherlandsare incredibly high as a single worker is taxed at 36.1%. If not conditions are horrible for european standarts. With biking being an integral part of Dutch culture, its easy to get around most places with a bike. They really suck. People dont thing about the weather but this is the hardest part of living in Netherlands and your best friend in Netherlands is going to be the umbrella wind and grey sky during th all year. State of the Art Transportation System, Pros and Cons of Living in The Netherlands Summary Table. Dropping by unannounced at someone's house is certainly out of the question. Not to mention the amount of aggravation a lot of people have when receiving things like letters and deliveries (if they ever get the physical post, that is). What does your pro and con list look like? In reality, the chilled winter season runs from October to April, keeping the Dutch locked in their houses half of the year. Its progressiveness is what drove me practically away to a far more conservative country. This place has so much potential to be greater but I think the Calvinist remnants in the culture hold people back from freely exploring their limits. Im from South Africa. Are people in The Netherlands accepting of differences? Sirelo has a network of more than 500 international removal companies that can move your furniture and possessions to your new home. Everything seems expensive in the Netherlands, from rents, food, and shopping to ticket prices. Being homosexual is 100 percent accepted. Mediterranean? The hardest things that I have faced and some I still do, especially coming from the UAE, are as below in this blog. Finally, prostitution is legal in the Netherlands, but pimping is illegal. What are some of the cultural shocks in the Netherlands? Are there Americans or other native English speakers living outside Amsterdam? It's my kind of place." The Netherlands is full of stunning forests that offer the perfect escape from the rush of the Randstad. Therefore, before living in Holland, you ought to consider factors like cost of living, community, education, safety, jobs, and the environment. Will you be working in NL? The quirky shops, world-class restaurants and legendary nightlife make the free-spirited Dutch capitalone of the great European cities. The Netherlands compares favourably to the UK and the US when it comes to crime statistics. These houses sit connected to one another in rows and have various stories. And one more thing: If you are used to going out for dinner regularly, then The Netherlands might not the place for you. High taxes are a challenge in the Netherlands. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for omissions and errors. 1. Their six children all reached at least Bachelor degrees. If you second-guess your decision to move to the Netherlands, then do not, as you will surely enjoy living here. Here she rekindled her love of writing and travelling. A decent salary would be considered 3,000 euros before taxes. Fortunately, the Dutch people are open, welcoming and dont hesitate to engage when they pass you on the street. If you dont want to take your child through a regular Dutch school, there are also a lot of choices when it comes to international schools in the Netherlands. Additionally, obtaining a permit can take years! Dutch people are friendliest in the sun. But the short answer is yes, living here can be quite expensive. I have contact with a second generation Dutch Moroccan restaurant owner who prefers Asians in his staff. The Netherlands is not as large, making traveling to different cities easy. I would love to move to the Netherlands as 2 of my kids already stay there and also want my 2 other join up. Copyright 1997-2023 Burlingame Interactive, Inc. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Never worry about paying your medical bills out of pocket again. Often more liberal approach to law 7. If you practice, youll find that people will tend to switch to English because its much easier to communicate. That doesnt go to say it never happens, especially in bigger cities, but generally, its safe. So, whether you like your food spiced, smoked, vegan, fried, or dried, you will get a meal you will enjoy. This service is free of charge and will help you select an international moving company that suits your needs and budget. 6. Racism was very prevalent especially Turks, Moroccans and everyone from the Caribbean islands and lets not forget the Tamils. 27 Pages Posted: 8 Oct 2015. HUP HUP!! The Dutch are known for their directness, which may take expats some time to get used to. Your best bet is to move to a metropolitan area like the Randstad area, which will provide more opportunities. What are the schools in The Netherlands like? But it was worth to do it in the end. if so how long did it take you? Amsterdam never sleeps." We list a few of those below. . Getting a job before living in Amsterdam? You can easily buy a secondhand bike anywhere from 100-200 euros or rent a Swapfiets for a monthly subscription. Netherlands cuisine is diverse as it embraces recipes from different parts of the world. Every place has its own good and bad things. "Dutch people are not known for their culinary traditions. Winter kicks in from November to March, and the cold, snow, and fog are common during this season. Im from South African as well,looking to move over as well. Insurance companies also provide health coverage, while children under 18s are covered by parents insurance. Affordable housing in the bigger cities is hard to come by. My parents and older sister are insistent on moving to Amsterdam if our current president wins another four years and Im a little hesitant to move to another country. Also in their personal lives, the Dutch take punctuality and planning very seriously. Trains are a popular and easy way of travelling to neighbouring countries such as France, Belgium and Germany. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn. Almost everyone uses a bicycle for any journey within a few miles. as far as im concerned and all the research Ive done, the pros definitely outweigh the cons here. Nevertheless, as with anywhere, there are areas its probably best not to hang around at night. Type it out. They offer efficient removal solutions by air, sea or road to move abroad. Yes,The people are distant but honest. We do not want more people here. Everybody pays the same for their basic healthcare, no matter how ill or healthy you are, making it a fairer process overall. I like to go home as I have been homesick for years. Oh, I agree with you, nothing good about the Netherlands. This should be able to cover rent, utilities, food, insurance, entertainment and miscellaneous things. Get in touch if you can provide useful info on your city or answer forum questions from new expats. First encounters with the Dutch will always be pleasant and friendly, but soon enough you will find that to make actual friends in The Netherlands (friends who will call you and invite you over to their houses), patience and endurance is needed. After all, nowhere is perfect. For those looking to move to Europe, there are few destinations as exciting as Amsterdam. If youre thinking about taking out private health insurance, our trusted partner Cigna Global is very aware of all the difficulties that expats can face when it comes to healthcare in a new location, so they have created a range of international health insurance plans specifically designed for expats, which you can tailor exactly to the needs and ensure access to quality care for you and your family. Lets discuss some potential challenges you might experience so you can prepare accordingly. Get in touch if you can provide useful info on your city or answer forum questions from new expats. The Dutch customer service will test your level of patience. So here are just a few pros and cons of moving to the Netherlands. Finland is one of the expensive countries and the cost of living is pretty high. There is no houses left. Restaurant meals are surprisingly pricy. For better reference, the city of Los Angeles has nearly a quarter of the people that the Netherlands does. We do this to improve browsing experience and to show (non-) personalized ads. Based on Newtons third law, every action has an equal opposite reaction, living inthe Netherlands has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some pros and cons of moving to The Netherlands. Not just English The Dutch have a high tolerance but if you start to comment on our way of life and the freedom we allow ourselves we get irate and tell you in no uncertain terms To Fk off and go back where you come from .if it was so much better over there, dont suck our economy dry and abuse our healthcare systemjust fk off. Due to the sheer density of the population, rush hour congestion is common. There is no need to own a car because the public transportation system is extremely efficient and reliable. But moving to a new country is a huge decision. In fact, setting up anything from your new mobile phone to your bank account is usually quite stress-free since you wont have to face a huge language barrier during the process. The reason for this is because Dutch employers must pay for social security. How can I find a job and secure a work permit for the Netherlands? Also, while cycling in the Netherlands is good for fitness, the rain can make for an unpleasant experience at times. If so, its easier to find jobs on LinkedIn. But also depending on where you live housing can be expensive and dare I say scarce? Its comparable to residing in a multi-living space with less privacy. For Western expats, moving to the Netherlands is generally a painless experience. Additionally, the weather can be unpredictable, with strong winds and rain common during the winter months. Third, the Netherlands allows same-sex marriages while most countries do not. This means you can trust buses and trains to run on time and corruption is unheard of, but it also means there's a fair amount of red tape. This makes winters bearable and summer days enjoyable. Good luck with your move! Especially when you when you share a house with other startes or student. explained one expat. There are two occasions during the year that I would go as far to say we have good weather. I have absolutely no respect for them and nepotism is rife here within their blue world I would personally never go back to the NL but not because of the people I hate the weather and there is barely a tree left standing and I hate it. Healthcarein the Netherlands is efficient, waiting times are usually short, and doctors generally speak good English. Prejudices stick for a long time. Income and social security account for 70% of the total tax wedge. Hi Ren, I was born in Holland and live in Alberta Canada. It's rare to find creative alternatives. The supermarkets may be smaller than expats are used to, but shoppers should still be able to find a few of their favourite home brands. During my time residing here, I have never felt scared, paranoid or fearful. How favorable is it for Architects in Netherland and do they pay Architects well. With a 24/7 customer service and an outstanding customer base of over 2 Million clients, it will feel like medical care at home. Health care is offered at both public and private levels. What are the safest places to live in the Netherlands? It may seem like a bargain, but when renting an unfurnished house, you must purchase everything, including carpets and essential appliances. For example, banks and most shops are closed until around noon on Mondays. Jobs in the Netherlands are well paying, and the working hours are friendly to prevent burnout. I am also a white South African, currently living in Stellenbosch. It affects those with lowest education most. Owning a car in the Netherlands will drain your pockets dry. 17 Pros and Cons of Living in The Netherlands. In 2011 there were 2695 reports of racism or racist motives. I would take the Netherlands any day over Britain (especially since the farce of Brexit). You may also find that electronic items are more expensive in the Netherlands (tip: go on the German Amazon), and some food can be a bit pricey too. "I like the whole idea of bike riding. After that they get my key and can come at any time. As much as most Dutch people know, conversational English is not enough. Independent stores are common in the Netherlands, and shopping at specialist cheese and chocolate shops is a particular treat. Last updated on Mar 09, 2023. You own a non-EU/EEA license that is Planning, organising, rules and regulations bring order and are thus held in high regard. Additionally, the Netherlands is a great place to learn a new language, as English is widely spoken and Dutch is relatively easy to learn. Since the Dutch have to be methodical about how they utilize and optimize space you will notice that cities, streets and houses feel small. Even if youve received an unconditional offer from a university, if you dont sort the accommodation straight away, you could quickly find yourself sleeping in a tent or having to defer your course for a year (true story this actually happens). While the Dutch are happy to speak English to new arrivals, theyre justifiably proud of their language and expect expats to learn the basics. Its important to do your research and weigh the pros and cons to living in Ireland. With government-funded public schoolingup to age 16, expat parents wont need to worry about school fees for most of their childs school career. If you are moving for the first time and if you do not have patience to handle the situation, it is always wise to stay away from the task of packing all your stuff and getting it prepared for relocation. 1. Netherlands: Flat or House: How to Rent in the Netherlands. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions. Skaters fill the frozen canals during winter, while the blooming tulips are an iconic sight in spring, and the almost-Mediterranean summers afford sunshine till late in the evening. And that is May-June and September. Become our local expat expert for your area! Rent in Amsterdam isnt cheap. I intend coming to Netherland to work and further my studies. Be prepared to receive little assistance from the service industry. The innovative, Get a quote from our partner, PassportCard. The temperature drops to the extent you only want to be indoors. Patrice, Amazon. Youll easily find your way around since its all easy to navigate. "For the first time in 20 years I am riding a cycle !and using public transport. Another bonus is that it isnt necessary to buy bottled water the Netherlands has some of Europes best drinking water. What are some beautiful sites to visit while living in the Netherlands? And maybe youre thinking you can get around with an Uber. Dutch people are not prone to base a friendship on a casual chat at the park. Intro Living in any country can be hard sometimes, even your own. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Editors Note: This article was originally published in December 2018, and was fully updated in May 2023 for your reading pleasure. Civil servants in the Netherlands suck big time! Being any skin shade is considered beauty. Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Thanks for the analysis and I do agree and love the bike culture and lifestyle in the Netherlands. Once expats do find a suitable new home, they shouldnt expect much space, as apartments in Amsterdam are often smaller than what many expats from abroad (certainly from the US) are used to. Yes they pay archi tect well, about milion per month brotha. UvA and Utrecht University rank among top 100 scientific universities worldwide. You will not find a place to live. Please Rene, can you be specific? Even though the geography of the country is like this its still hard to grasp at times, especially if you are an outdoorsy person. Unless youre willing to shell out more money and lower your expectations for a smaller place, this may not be the case. From Chile to China Southern Africa to Iceland. Unless you live in a place thats far from transport, everything is very accessible. Based on the 2021 Worlds Safest Country index,the Netherlands ranked as the 21st safest country. Now I have a better idea about the other aspects! . If you purchase a bike, you can cycle to your destination as there are separate lanes for cyclists. Safety precautions like locking your house when leaving, setting up a burglar alarm, or locking your car. By filling in a form, youll get up to 5 quotes from recommended movers. What appliances are typically included in a rental. Never worry about paying your medical bills out of pocket again. According to the 2018 HSBC Expat Explorer, ex-pats living in the Netherlands enjoy the great Mediterranean weather, childcare, healthcare, infrastructure, education, and economy. It is pretty hard for a "vremdelingen" (foreigner) to get accepted by Dutch to the extent to exchange invitations to dinner or going out in a weekend trip together both families. The Easy Coast is better. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Hi Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC In addition, staying indoors that long without company may be lonely and boring. The next STAP subsidy round opens soon! According to Numbeo, the cost of living in the Netherlands is higher than in the US. Lets start on a positive note! Working in Belgium offers a great salary and benefits. However, safety is not 100% Good for internationals, right up until the Dutch government withdraws its promised tax benefit 3 (or more) years early #adealisadeal. Most shops close at around 5pm and are open forrestricted hours on Sundays. For expats with older children or those who are only in Amsterdam short term, the language barrier at public schools can be an issue. 2023 Copyright by Travel Safe - Abroad. The quotes you receive are completely without any obligation. The Netherlands is located near the sea and has a temperate climate. Do not need any further explanation. Thx, I am trying to expand my small retail business into the Netherlands. New Zealand certainly has its drawbacks in addition to its many advantages. Approximately 81% of adults aged between 25-64 years have completed upper secondary education, and that is higher than the OECD average of 79%. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute. d_nijmegen 4 yr. ago. We are looking for contributors to help make this the ultimate guide for expats. It takes a while for a Dutch person to let you into his circle of close friends. Researching appropriate work visas is a must. Do companies pay for relocation in the Netherlands? Separate cycle lanes make it the perfect place to rekindle your love of cycling, albeit with a slight fear of getting run over by one of the crazy locals. The cost of living in Finland is more than in more than 80% of the countries in the world. Are there good restaurants in The Netherlands? 2. All material on this website (DutchReview) is strictly copyright and all rights reserved. Having spent a lot of time in the country in last 5 years. Some rental agencies charge a months deposit and a months rent as a finders fee on top of all the other relocation costs. The stricter rules as far as being on time at the workplace, not just staying away without asking a day off (25 days per year paid) do affect migrants more. I see people say, there is note good about the Netherlands. July and August can be unbearably hot, humid and sticky. Not to mention owning a car is super expensive due to all the road tax even if its a cheap car. What about the other 10 months you ask? What can I expect? Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in The Netherlands? Its much easier to access places with your bike because you wont have through the hassle of finding and paying for parking. Embracing this habit will increase expats fitness levels while doing their bit for the environment and blending in with the locals. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist. It can be misunderstood as rudenesswhen its more a desire for clarity and understanding. "I enjoy that there is always something happening in my area. If youre looking to live in Amsterdam or other cities in the Randstad, you want to be extra patient in your search for a new home and plan in a little extra wiggle room in your budget. Can you kindly be more specific? Helsinki is the most expensive city in Finland. This can also be a bit of a downside, however, as you have to work twice as hard to learn Dutch. I could give a list a mile long as how far the Dutch are willing to go to rescue people by donating. American Things I Miss the Most While Living Abroad, Here are the Best Places to Live in Europe if you want to Leave the US, Visiting the Algarve in Winter + what to see & do, Visiting Amsterdam For the First Time? Verhuizen terug naar NL vanuit Los Angeles? After that, the weather is either rainy or freezing cold. To make friends in Holland, your best luck comes in summertime. Finally, expats enjoy the city's many festivals and events, which celebrate the city's culture and history," remarked one in The Hague. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is around 1,600. Where do I start with pensions and buying a house in Zaandam, Netherlands? For every illness it seems to be just Paracetamol. The Netherlands accommodates about 50k foreign workers annually. Most safety issues in the Netherlands seem to come from bicycles. You will need to learn Dutch as most descriptions, announcements, items, and packages are in Dutch. Contribute Parents looking to take this option will find that curricula offered range from Japanese to French to British and beyond. We have tried to describe the most obvious disadvantages of New Zealand. It is rather monotonous and bland consisting of cold sandwiches for lunch and warm meals of meat, potatoes and vegetables for dinner time. You have to pick and choose. Im very hesitant as I cannot ride a bike, I have so many credits to transfer from my community college I just dont think its worth it to move because of an election going awry. It may look simple - just take all the precautions to not let them broke, crack or bent during the relocation. Its slightly faster to say but its also just plain wrong. 1. Lets look into the advantages of moving to the Netherlands: According to the World Economic Forum, the Netherlands ranks as the third most educated country. Despite the Netherlands being a non-native English-speaking country, most of its citizens are conversant with the language. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Also from South Africa, waiting on IND feedback for our EU Blue card visa on the 3rd of November. Expats will feel secure, and even large football crowds are usually family-friendly and require little policing. The city is diverse and international, and its unique culture and excellent quality of life make it one of the continent's most popular cities. Low-income Amsterdammers can now apply for FREE public transport tickets, Video streaming services in the Netherlands: the complete guide, The 8 greatest forests in the Netherlands for a nature escape, How to set up your utilities in the Netherlands (in English!) In addition, landlords take advantage of the housing problem and overcharge their tenants. said one person in Tilburg. Young children pick up additional languages more easily, so the earlier they start speaking Dutch, the better. Public transportation and connections are great but fares are costly. If you want to learn more check out these tips on how to survive Dutch weather. As with anywhere else, expats will need to weigh up the pros and cons of moving to Amsterdam before setting their plans into motion. The high standard of living, the bikes, the stable economy and low crime rate make Holland an attractive country for expats. They enjoy special tax advantages such as the '30 Percent Ruling', causing the Dutch to only tax 70% of your salary. Naturally, there are also some downsides to living in Amsterdam, like the fast-moving (and pricey) housing marketand thehigh cost of living. Pros and Cons of Moving to the Netherlands. While the Dutch strive for an egalitarian society, theyre pretty known for liberalism. Delicious snacks, yet a healthy lifestyle The second I arrived in the Netherlands, it was immediately noticeable that almost everybody was in shape! Baie dankie vir die inligting. One day I will visit Netherlands to see lovely country. This guide covers the many choices you need to make in a move abroad. Of course, these places have pros and cons, but the pros outweigh the cons. We speak about this on a regular basis here at DutchReview, and youll see questions about it on a regular basis in international groups on Facebook, and other social media. Globe Media cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above. Nederland is the best place to live and work. Humans are social beings who require frequent contact and personal relationships. For many families, this is an ideal middle ground. This is an amazing place, aside from (evidently) being stuck with whiners that do nothing to improve themselves or their situations. There are also well-supported cultural events throughout the year, where museums and galleries open their doors to the public for nominal fees. I cannot wait to start my journey in the Netherlands! Explore and be awed by the Dutch landscape with Renzys sightseeing tours! Want your business to reach an unrivalled expat and international audience? So at times, it can feel quite crowded. I have hosted 500 times through couchsurfing dot com. By its very nature much of the information in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which theyre relying with the relevant authorities. Find out the answers to some Frequently Asked Questions About Amsterdam. I have my call today with the director again and they are eager to move me back, so I think I will be back before December 2019. Compared to other European countries and definitely America, the Netherlands is on the lower end of the spectrum. Is this how Dutch feel about expats? Summary: The pros of living in Netherlands include its high quality of life, excellent public transportation, and vibrant culture. Please say the service is bad. There are few countries where I wish I would be born and raisedor live. I remember that if the temperature outside reached 18C or 20C everyone would run to the swimming pools or holes, and throw our 6 layered clothing off. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. Most of the cons I agree with, but a bit surprised about the change in service, they were better when lived there. Yes I like my guests to come at the time we agreed at first. Whereas back in my hometown Im used to looking over my shoulder and avoiding walking down dark streets by myself. Utility costs in Spain are higher than the European average. I have seen bits of it among all groups. With a minimum wage of 1,842.28 and a gross median salary of 3,321 per month, Belgiums among the countries with the highest salaries in Europe. In the large cities of the Netherlands, like Rotterdam or Amsterdam, most people can converse in English. But, in the words of Dutch football legend Johan Cruyff, To every advantage, there is a disadvantage. Being a career counselor I agree that there is discriminatoir on the job market, but that is not just a white vs black thing. Youll need to spend more than 2000 Euros per person for an average lifestyle in Finland. Help others in Netherlands by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Netherlands. This comes down to the Dutch governments strategy of deterring people from driving, but so far thats not working too well. The taxation on income in this country is excessive compared to other European countries.